Full-Time Consultancy - Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL)

Organization Background

iDE is an international NGO that was founded in 1982 with the belief that markets lift people out of poverty. We catalyze change in markets by incentivizing low-income people to establish locally-led scalable solutions that are passed down through generations and founded on mutually beneficial partnerships. We help build local economies and value chains that deliver goods and services to “last mile” customers in remote areas. We do this by building networks of small-scale entrepreneurs that power “resilient market ecosystems’’, and boosting the incomes of marginalized people, medium-sized commercial farmers and the private sector. iDE resilience-building efforts are currently focused in twelve countries in the sectors of agriculture, WASH, and nutrition .

Background Information

To measure our progress on delivering programs, iDE uses an integrated monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) approach that seeks to center our clients’ needs, while also offering added value for donors and other stakeholders. With an emphasis on not only rigor but inclusive and ethical measurement, we are committed to incorporating participatory approaches in our MERL work and to converting our quantitative and qualitative evidence into actionable learnings. We generate monitoring and impact data to guide program decisions, aiming to leverage the best systems and tools to deliver the right information to the right people at the right time.

Requirements

About the Assignment  

Our iDE Headquarters (HQ) MERL team is currently in need of additional support given finite staffing resources at the moment. To ensure the continued smooth operation and support at both the country and project levels, we are seeking a dedicated full-time professional to step in and cover these essential duties on a short-term basis. This interim position will help us maintain our high standards of monitoring and evaluation while we work to restructure our team. 

Deliverables

To this end, we are looking for a full-time consultant with expertise in particular in monitoring and evaluation for the next approximately three to four months to work with our HQ team and the MERL teams in the eleven countries where we collect data on the following tasks: 

• M&E Plans: support outlining methodologies, tools, and timelines for data collection, analysis, and reporting for new projects
• Baseline and Endline Surveys: Conducting baseline and endline surveys to measure initial conditions and changes over time for new and closing projects during this period.
• Data Collection Tools and Instruments: Design and implementation of data collection tools, such as surveys, interview guides, and observation checklists.
• Monitoring Support: Collecting project or global key performance indicators (KPIs) from country teams.
• Analysis and Reports: Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and writing reports summarizing findings from evaluations, including analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for program improvement.
• Learning: Support learning activities to disseminate M&E findings, share lessons learned, and promote best practices among staff and stakeholders.
• Supporting Training: Identifying training needs and/or collaborating with the MERL team on needed training for staff and stakeholders on M&E best practices, data management, and utilization of M&E findings for decision-making and program improvement.

Qualifications 

The successful consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Working experience in the MEL field for a minimum of 5 years with strong knowledge on the following items:
• Drafting/reviewing a Theory of Change
• Designing a logic model/results framework
• MEL plan development
• Indicator development
• Monitoring tool development
• Basic evaluation/research design
• Minimum levels of quantitative and qualitative analysis (descriptive, significance testing, correlations, etc)
• Drafting learning agenda, participating in pause & reflect sessions, etc
• Experience in a multinational organization, with a preference for international development experience.
• Preferred prior experience with mobile data collection software and systems, especially ODK, with a particular emphasis on/preference for prior experience with the TaroWorks and/or Kobo platform for field data collection OR demonstrated exceptional aptitude in learning and manipulating related systems;
• Empathy for users operating in very data-limited environments in terms of network access, technology and technical know-how; 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative on multiple projects at any one time.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across language and culture barriers.
• Strong knowledge of issues and opportunities in relevant sector and discipline areas;
• Alignment with iDE’s mission, values and approaches;
• Ability to multitask and pivot to respond to time-sensitive requests and needs when required. 
• Experience writing clear technical documentation preferred;
• Overseas work experience preferred; 

Benefits

Reporting

Consultant will report to iDE’s Global Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) and Director of Inclusive MERL, who will facilitate their work with each of the country offices and other HQ teams as needed. 

Timeline: ASAP through December 31, 2025, with the possibility for extension.

Budget: $7,500-$7,666 per month

Interested candidates should apply through Workable by 11:59pm (MST) on Tuesday October 9th.